CENTRUS, an HOK and WSP joint venture, is leading the design for the renovation and expansion of historic Centre Block, the largest and most complex heritage rehabilitation ever undertaken in Canada.
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has unveiled the design, scope and timeline for the rehabilitation of Centre Block, Canada’s main Parliament building.
Built over 100 years ago, Centre Block requires a major overhaul to meet modern codes and ensure it continues to serve Canadians for another century. Improvements to Centre Block will include new building and digital systems and modern seismic upgrades for a building located within an active earthquake zone.
In addition to being more resilient, the restored Centre Block will be more accessible and secure through the creation of a new Parliament Welcome Centre. The PWC will provide an enhanced visitor experience for the increasing numbers of guests who come to Parliament to witness its traditions and democracy.
Centre Block also will be transformed from one of the government’s highest-energy users and greenhouse gas-emitting buildings into a carbon-neutral facility. Energy consumption will be reduced by at least 75 percent and water consumption by over 50 percent.
The Centre Block refurbishment and the new Parliament Welcome Centre are targeted for completion by 2030/2031. Project costs are estimated to be between CAD $4.5 and $5 billion, and construction activities are expected to create more than 70,000 jobs with economic benefits for people across Canada.